Exploring How NRF2 Protein Reduces RPE Cell Damage by Cigarette Smoke
Principal Investigator
Mentors
Project Goals
The goal of this project is to explore how acetylation of the NRF2 protein can restore impaired NRF2 signaling in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and improve RPE function during chronic smoke stress, a causative factor for AMD progression.
Project Summary
In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are damaged by oxidative stress. NRF2 is a protein that protects against oxidative stress; however, NRF2 signaling declines in AMD. Dr. Singh and his team propose to find a cause for NRF2 signaling decline, called acetylation, a process that modifies proteins to change how genes are produced. Researchers will treat RPE cells with smoke and verify if the acetylating NRF2 will prevent its decline. If successful, they will have a favorable strategy for treating AMD.
Publications
First published on: August 02, 2024
Last modified on: September 08, 2024